Author Killian McRae

No podcast this week, but check out...

2012-03-06T13:18:00.001-08:00

Sorry y'all, but the McRae household has been hit with the tides of the cold and flu season this week. Hence, I haven't been able to stitch together an episode. I'll bring you a fresh, chunky episode of 12.21.12 next week.

In the meantime, (self-promotion warning, but on my own blog this shouldn't be a surprise ;) ) have you noticed that the prices of both my books have come down this month? If you haven't had a chance, check them out:

"A Love by Any Measure," now available at 11.99 in paperback and $2.99 on Kindle (BN here)
"12.21.12," now just 8.99 in paperback and $1!!!! on Kindle. (BN here)
And you can get the "The Twelve: Altunai Subset One" for free on BN and Smashwords!

12.21.12 - Episode 9

2012-02-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

Episode 9 - Chapter 10

12.21.12 - Episode 8

2012-02-22T21:55:00.001-08:00

Episode 8 - Chapter 9

Uncovering "A Love by Any Measure"

2012-02-18T22:39:00.002-08:00

I've had several talks with other authors and readers recently about book covers and their importance to the marketing of a book. Note: I'm not just talking about making sales here. I'm talking about the most basic purpose of marketing: making a connection with the potential customer.

I bought Kristen Painter's book after
seeing only its cover. THIS is an
example of a cover that sells the book.
(And so far, its contents are as awesome
as its cover.)

You know the old saying, "You shouldn't judge a book by its cover?" Well, that statement is a double-edged sword. Sometimes a book has a really rocking cover, so much so that I've bought it based on its cover alone, sometimes only to discover what was inside was less than appealing.

Fame is no reason to
grow lazy (unless it works and is cheaper).

Other times, I've discovered a book through other means, and the cover was short of appealing. ( A personal unfavorite are books for which the cover is nothing but text. This usually happens as a writer becomes famous to the point where their name alone will sell the book just as well as any flashy image or artistic masterpiece.) Why, then, would the publisher spend money on a graphic artist? It's a reasonable business decision, but perhaps one with which I find myself disagreeing.

But all this thought led me back to the covers for my two books, in particular A Love by Any Measure. I've gotten more than a few positive comments on the cover (one reviewer said, "[it] has a cover that belongs in an art house,") but a few people have suggested to me it would be nice to get a little author/designer's perspective on what I included in the design, and why. After all, this is the calling card of my book, the image that's meant to both intrigue and inform a potential reader. Also, as you may have noticed in most any book store, many subgenres of romance carry with them a certain expectation of the cover. It almost becomes formulaic. i.e. For a regency romance, such as ALBAM, the standard ingredients are a woman whose dress if falling off or way too tight, a muscular man, sometimes with a cane, sometimes with his shirt half off or missing completely, who is kissing her neck or about to attack her bosom, and sometimes there's a horse. I DID NOT want to be formulaic. I strove to have something that was right for MY cover, not just any historical romance cover.

So, a little on how I approached this:

BACKGROUND I faded it out a little because I didn't want it to dominate the image, but what you see are very soft, floral colors. ALBAM is set in an era in which feminity among the upper class was an art form. I want you immediately to see that there's a background of softness here, a concept that everything in the world is simple and yet, with some depth.

FOREGROUND SILHOUETTE: This image of a Victorian-era girl's face, framed by flowing long hair struck me as very Maeve-ish the moment I saw it. Two conflicting impressions hit you immediately: the woman is very beautiful, and she's suffered a great woe. I love how, without the distinct features of a face, there is still so much qualification in this image. Her head is angled in such a way that she's either about to fall to pieces, or the hero is about to lift her chin to kiss her.

LEFT IMAGE: Well, not much symbolism there, is there? This represents my hero and heroine, August and Maeve, both instinctively drawn to each other, yet still hesitating, struggling to keep that last inch of distance and danger between them.

RIGHT IMAGE: And in to every great romance, some obstacles must fall. The working class, intense chap is Maeve's intended, Owen Murphy. I loved this image, how focused and since the model was. And to contrast and compliment him, right beneath we have the image of our fair-haired, English beauty Amelia.

A NOTE ON TEXT: I chose a highly embellished text for this as a way to invoke the era, when handwriting (and the writing of notes and letters does play a significant role in the plot) was much more highly prized.

Would love to hear your thoughts, and not just on this cover. Are there any covers recently which knocked your socks off? Any which you cringed at?

12.21.12 - Episode 7

2012-02-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

Episode 7: Chapter 8

12.21.12 - Episode 6

2012-02-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

Episode 6 - Chapter 6, 7

Hector learns a little something about Plaxis policy...

Win an ARC of TALLIS!

2012-02-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

(Facebook/Goodreads readers: To enter this contest, please visit the original post on my blog. Entries will only be accepted on the original blog post.)

Last week,I tossed up here on the blog two spontanous ARC giveaways for extra copies I had of 12.21.12 and A Love by Any Measure. They were limited, and on a first come, first serve basis. One of my followers rightfully declared that that didn't give ample opportunity for those who may be interested but who worked during the day to respond. I agreed with her, and said I would host another giveaway this week to remedy the situation.

But I'm out of ARCs for those two books, and I wanted the prize to be something of equal worth and uniqueness. Which left me racking my brain... I assure you, my brain is already thoroughly pre-racked, and further racking could be dangerous for my health. And then I hit on it! Of course, I have another book coming out this spring!

I haven't said much about Tallis yet because I still can't give away too many particulars. I don't yet know the exact release date(probably in May, maybe June), I don't have a cover yet, and final edits are still being polished off (the word count you see in the right sidebar is for the whole series. Tallis will be released as three novellas. This giveaway is for the first novella.). However, I am at the point where I can offer this opportunity for five winner to be the first to receive review copies.

Contest is open through the end of the month. Best of luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

12.21.12 - Episode 5

2012-01-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5

Random Drabble- Colonial Customer Service

2012-01-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

My dream last night...

Paul Revere was calling into a customer support center for "The British Are Coming" Corporation:

And the automated voice says, "Thank you for calling The British Are Coming call center. If this is an emergency, please hang up and yell "911" immediately on horseback. Your call is very important to us. So that we may better direct your heedful cry, please select one of the following: If the British are coming by land, please press one. If the British are coming be sea, please press two. If you don't know which way the British are coming and need instructions on how to determine if, when, or how the British are indeed coming, please press three. If you are a British solider and would like to confirm, deny, or clarify a report about your coming, please press four. If you previously reported The British are Coming and would like to check on the status of the troop movement, please press five. Note: A tarriff may be charged on your tea for pressing five. Para informar a los británicos vienen en español, por favor marque seis. If you need to talk to a live agent about the British Coming, or have any other questions, please press zero now, or knock on the door of your nearest inn."

This is what happens when I sleep on a tall ship, I guess...

12.21.12 - Episode 4

2012-01-24T22:49:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4

Direct Download

ALBAM ARC Giveaway

2012-01-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

Cleaning up more items on my shelves:

I have one - ONE (1) UNO BIR UNE ICHI - "A Love by Any Measure" ARC available to the first person who claims it by leaving a comment with an email address to this post. Remember, ARC copies are pre-release versions that carry with them some copy errors, so keep that in mind. However, if you want it, and can give me a US address to send it to, it's yours.

ARC giveaway

2012-01-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have four remaining ARC copies of the second edition of 12.21.12. (ARC, remember, which means they'll be some copy errors in thar'.) They've been sitting on my shelves for several months, and I figured it was time to move them along.

So, want them? If so, you can have them. Just leave me an email address below, and I'll contact you to obtain an address. Limit one per person, and mailing addresses in the United States. First four posts with email addresses get 'em.

Update on Artist warning

2012-01-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

After much contemplation, I did something very uncharacteristic of myself and publicly called out artist Robert Quill after having contracted his services in April 2011, and December 2011 having come without receiving any positive work towards that contract. (You can read my original post here.)

I wanted to update you and make you aware that, following this post, Mr. Quill did provide me a link on 12/25 to a proof for my review, after (I believe) he had also been contacted by the organizer of the event at which I initially hired him and after I had made that organizer known of the difficulties we were having. However, having waited so long, I had already began pursuit of other options for my required artwork. Mr. Quill agreed not to contest the reversal on my credit card for his fees that resulted from my reporting them.

It should be reiterated here that my contention, however, was never with the quality of Mr. Quill's artistic work, only with the business acumen I believe he fell flat on.

To my end, I feel the case is resolved in the best possible manner in everyone's interest. I had invited Mr. Quill to offer any commentary on my original post, which he recently did. With his permission, I repost that commentary below.

Well, I certainly never STEAL from anybody. ;)

Hello, this is Robert Quill, and I thank Killian for welcoming my feedback.

Killian is certainly correct that I fell behind on my commission work and email correspondence in 2012. There was a lot of it, I had to contend with a couple of week-long power outages, a close friend was rendered homeless and needed to be taken in, and I was audited by the IRS... and won!... but it took a great deal of time.

Most of my clients have been very patient with me, but Killian, quite justly, asked for a refund, which I granted. Well, technically she processed a chargeback, and I did not challenge it.

I would like to point out that this sort of thing can happen from time to time. Art doesn't follow predictable timelines, and the work tends to come in waves. For this reason, I don't guarantee delivery times, and Killian signed a Terms and Agreements contract citing this specifically.

However, there were instances when I assured her I would be back in touch in a certain period of time, and then failed to do that, so in this case, I waived those terms and agreed to the refund.

I certainly understand if a reader of this blog might regard this as a cautionary tale. In my defense, let me say I had 450 commission orders in 2011, and have 430 happy customers about 8 unhappy customers and I'm working on the remaining twelve.

I think that's pretty good. :)

12.21.12 - Episode 3

2012-01-17T23:24:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3

In the last episode, I had to apologize to the people of England for my abhorrent British accent. Victoria Kent leans imperialist, but she's never fancied herself American. Well, this episode, it is time to apologize to the people of Mexico. I love your country, and I am enthralled by your history, culture, language, and food. Sadly, my accent is a paltry one, and I hope you'll allow a terrible actress her attempts without too serious a scalding.

Lo siento.

12.21.12 - Episode 2

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2

Signed copies? Yes, we can (ebooks too!)

2012-01-04T16:28:00.000-08:00

Because I'm an indie author who doesn't have much (*cough* any) tour budget, and because many of my readers aren't even located in the US, one of the questions I often get from readers is, "Is there a way to get a signed copies?"

For the past year, I've been trying to find the best way to do this through several different methods. Now, I'm happy to share that you can purchase my books, paperbacks AND ebooks, with a personal dedication and signature. For those of you who already have my books, there's also a way to receive a personalized eBook plate.

For more details, see my "signed copies" page here.

12.21.12 - Episode 1

2012-01-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

The end is ~~near~~ here...

EPISODE #1

Prologue and chapter one.

"The Twelve: Altunai Subset One" novelette cover reveal

2012-01-01T17:56:00.001-08:00

So, um.... Whaddya think?

"The Twelve: The First Leaves" - Chapter Title Preview

2011-12-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

We're only about two weeks out from not only the release of the 12.21.12 podcast (newsletter subscribers got a sneak peak at episode one last week), but also the release of the first short story collection giving a quick introduction to the Altunai Proxies of Earth during the Thirteen Baktuns.

The first collection includes three stories, and as a little tease, I'd like to share with you the story titles. Hope you're looking as forward to it as I am. :)

The Twelve:

~The First Leaves~

“When I was a girl” – Cleopatra VII (Part I)
Egypt, 54 BCE – 44 BCE

“Inscriptions”- Juba II
Kingdom of Mauretania, 10 BCE – 6 BCE

“Dead in their Graves” – Seraq
Kingdom of Kush, 90 CE

Author-to-Author Warning: Avoid Artist Robert Quill

2011-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

I've debated about whether or not to post this article for a while. I'm not generally a vindictive person, nor do I believe it general serves public interest to decry the short comings of professionals in venues controlled by and representing the experience of one individual. However, having found at least one other example of where this artist defrauded another person, I feel it a duty to share my experience with and warn others against hiring Artist Robert Quill. (Should Mr. Quill see this posting and wish to respond, either publicly or privately, I welcome it.)

Time Line:

In early April 2011, I attended the RT Conference in Los Angeles, where Mr. Quill was an official vendor. He had on display a portfolio of his works. (I am not by any means claiming the Mr. Quill is not an artist, nor that he hasn't supplied art work to others.) After reviewing his work, I hired Mr. Quill at the price of $229 to complete a custom-drawn full color ink drawing, based on the description I gave him of my character from my upcoming Fantasy novel. I shared with Mr. Quill that I intended to use his work as a element on the cover of my self-published book, which I had hoped to put out sometime this winter.
Mr. Quill gave me no definite time line or expected date, but outlined the procedure he used: he would make a rough draft, send the link to the draft to me via email in 1-2 months, to which I was to respond with an affirmative to finalize or offer any feedback for revision.
On 6/2/11, nearly two months after the event and having heard nothing, I wrote Mr. Quill and asked for an update.
On 7/21/11, six more weeks having past and never having gotten a response to my June email, I wrote Mr. Quill again and asked for any update.
On 7/27/11, Mr. Quill responded (the first email I had ever received from him) saying my picture was "inked up and will be colored soon."
On 9/21/11, having no further communications from Mr. Quill, I again wrote him, pointed out that his last email was from nearly two months ago.
On 10/13/11, Mr. Quill responded with a brief email saying he was sorry and he would "make sure it's done right away," saying he was on his way to the New York Comic Con and my project would be "at the top of my list when I return. I'll send you a finished proof."
On 12/6/11, I again wrote Mr. Quill asking for a response. To date (this post written 12/14/11), I've had no response from him.
On 12/14/11 (today), I decided enough was enough. I've reported the charge on my credit card as fraud and have reported Mr. Quill to the RT Convention organizers after much deliberation.

If there should be any progress on this issue, or response from Mr. Quill, I will happily post that here. As of now, I would say avoid hiring Mr. Quill at all cost.

REC: "Poughkeepsie" by Debra Anastasia

2011-11-25T04:23:00.000-08:00

Scroll to the end of the post to enter for a chance to win an eBook copy

Y'all know that I don't often host other authors on my blog or use it to promote other's books. (If, by chance, you do want recommendations from me, I generally post reviews on my Goodreads profile.) So, you can be certain that when I do post on a book, it's a the cream of the crop. It's the type of book I think every reader should consider. The last time I posted a recommendation, it was for the Hunger Games series. Authors whose works touch me in such a way are few and far between.

Debra Anastasia is such an author. Her works are both irreverently funny and charmingly tender. She has a way of wooing prose and taking you on an exquisite journey. This week, Deb celebrates the release of second novel, Poughkeepsie. To celebrate the release, Omnific Publishing is proud to offer an e-copy of Poughkeepsie to two lucky winners on my blog. For those of you who can't wait (and I urge you not to), or don't like to take chances, you can find links below to various site where Poughkeepsie is available in electronic or paperback formats.

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.
Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.
When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.
Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

Give a Copy of Poughkeepsie a Home:

Poughkeepsie in eBook, ePack, and Print: Omnific Publishing
Poughkeepsie in Kindle and Print Amazon Kindle Amazon Print
Poughkeepsie Book format allromanceebooks.com

Find out more about Debra and her other works at:

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook

Watch the book trailer

GIVEAWAY
There are two eCopies of Poughkeepsie to give away on the blog today. To enter, just leave a comment with your twitter or email below. Comments posted by 11/27, midnight pacific time, are eligible.

Both my books on sale for Black Friday

2011-11-21T22:21:00.001-08:00

Haven't downloaded your copy of "12.21.12" or "A Love by Any Measure" yet? Here's one of the times when procrastination pays. Rather, saves.

Tulipe Noire Press has put both of my books on sale through Cyber Monday only. Pick up the historical romance "A Love by Any Measure" for just $2.99 (regularly $4.99) and get a great deal on "12.21.12," marked all the way down to just .99!

And some of my fellow authors participating in the Kindle Fire Giveaway have some special stuff going on this week, too! Check them out by following the links on our Cyber Monday hop!

Support Veterans and their families, and I will give you my books for free

2011-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Inspired by two of my favorite local talk show host, Armstrong & Getty, I'd like to issue this challenge to my U.S. readers: donate to Fisher House, like I and so many others have.

What is Fisher House? As explained on their website:

The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

And to encourage you to give a little to those who have already given so much, I'd like to offer you this incentive. Between now and Friday, November 11, 2011, midnight PST, if you:

-Donate $10 to Fisher House, I'll email you one of my books in the electronic format of your choice,
-Donate $25 to Fisher House, and I'll email you both of my books in the electronic format of your choice,
-Donate $50 to Fisher House, and I'll mail you a signed print copy of one of my books of your choice*, or
-Donate $100 to Fisher House, and I'll mail you a signed print copy of both of my books. *

Here's how to do it.

1. Rather than start my own sponsorship page, I'd ask you to please visit the one set up by Armstrong & Getty, here.
2. Follow the instructions there to donate.
3. Email me either your confirmation of donation, or a screen capture showing your donation. Please remember to remove any personal information you wouldn't want me to see (at your discretion). Also let me know the email address or mailing address, as necessary, to which to send the books, and your choice between 12.21.12 or A Love by Any Measure, if choosing.

*US mail addresses only.

Halloween Hop Winner!

2011-11-05T23:39:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Gloria for being the winner selected at random for the Romance Girls Gone Goblin giveaway!

And my apologies for getting this message out late. Gettin' my NaNo on right now. :)

"Reading next to the (Kindle) Fire!" Giveaway

2011-10-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

eReaders and eBooks are hot. So hot, they're on fire! The Kindle Fire, that is.

I'm delighted to announce that I'm participating in the "Reading next to the (Kindle) Fire" holiday giveaway. The prize? A brand, spankin' new Kindle Fire and 20+ eBooks in Romance, Paranormal, Science Fiction, mystery and YA!

How do you enter? Simple.
1. Join my blog, and/or any of the blogs of the participating authors.
2. Click the Kindle Fire pic in this post or on my sidebar to be taken to official entry form. Fill in the required information (it's just a few smidgens of info), and you're entered!While you're over there, check out the full list of participating authors and books to be given to the winner.

THE RULES:
1. Every effort will be made to deliver the prize to the winner by Christmas, but is not guaranteed. Residents of other countries are welcome to enter with the understanding that they must be able to provide a postal address servicable by reliable courier services (i.e. UPS or Fedex) and deliverable from the United States. If they cannot, it will be the organizer's discretion to select another winner. Please enter with this understanding. International winner will be reposnible for any duties charged by his/her districts or country. 2. All entrants must be at least 18 years old. 3. Entrants agree that their email address will be available to participating authors for the purpose of marketing via email campaigns, which may include being subscribed to a maillist , newsletter, or other electronic distributions. Authors WILL NOT share email addresses with others. After contest close, authors are obligated to remove entrant's address from any lists upon request. 4. Winner will receive a sealed and unopened Kindle Fire. Promotion organizer will also deliver all eBooks inlcuded with promotion in a manner mutually agreed upon by organizer and winner, and may include flash drive, CD, email, password- protected download, etc. Prize books and carrying media are not for redistribtuion or resale. 5. No Purchase Required to win. Offer void where prohibited. 6. Promotion holders reserve the right to cancel the contest at their sole discretion, but will not use the emails if that happens. Promotion holders assume no liability for technical glitches or other difficulties that might drop entrant's name from consideration. Winner reponsible for obtaining electric converter device, if necessary, in order to power/recharge device.7. Promotion holders assume no liability for broken parts or otherwise malfunctioning equipment--you must take that up with product manufacturer or courier service. 8. ENTRY OPEN THROUGH MIDNIGHT, PACIFIC TIME, ON DECEMBER 15, 2011. Please send questions regarding this promotion and giveaway here. One entry per person. Multiple form submissions may result in disqualification, and will not increase odds of winning. Winner will be chosen at random.

"Romance Girls Gone Goblin" Prizes and an Outtake

2011-10-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to be participating along with some great authors in the "Romance Girls Gone Goblin" Halloween Blog Hop. For this special occasion, I've been able to dig through the life of Tlalli and the Guardian from 12.21.12 and find one Halloween night in 1934 when our star-crossing lovers-turned-enemies put aside their differences. See below the outtake for details on how to enter for a prize pack from me, and links to the other participating authors' sites where they, too, will be offering outtakes and prizes.

Smoke danced over the edge of the ashtray, across thesurface, and dissipated over the edge of the table. The length of the cigarettewas nearly spent, as was her patience for listening to anymore of the wah-wah of the big band’s brass section.One of the trumpets was off key, and it set her teeth on edge. What had become of the quaint little string quartets of yore? No, in the 1930’s, everyone wanted it louder, faster,brassier. The point wasn’t to have the music be the backdrop to theconversation; it was to have the conversation be about the music. If one couldconverse over such ruckus.
Oh, the burden of enhanced senses. Super hearing just wasn’tso super, it turned out.

With an elegant bow and a curtsy, the smoke trail left asthe cigarette extinguished itself. A newly-lit replacement marked number fivefor the night. Each Mild as May cigarette took exactly seven minutes to burnunattended from head to hilt. And that’s all they ever did. She hadn’t taken adrag off one but to light it, ever. Truth was, Tlalli detested smoking. Humanscouldn’t smell all the poisons the way she could. It turned her stomach, orwould have, had there been anything in her stomach to turn. The end of this onewould add up to forty-two minutes. Forty-five, if you included the break afternumber two to “powder her nose.” Again, just for display, to play up that shewas part of the human collection. Surely forty-five minutes was longenough to put in at this little party so not as to offend her host.

As though he had heard her thinking to leave, Francoisesuddenly found her out across the room of swirling gowns and extravaganttailed-tuxedos. A costume ball had been his idea. The recently immigratedFrenchman had been bowled over by Americans’ embrace of the old pagan holiday,and he was always the first to leap at the chance to host a soirée. If he hadn’tbeen one of her best clients, she would have avoided the event at all cost. Asit was, she felt obliged. He had just paid $200,000 for a life-sized statue ofAugustus Caesar she had stolen from a museum in Spain. Finding a buyer had beendifficult, given the work’s notoriety. Everyone was looking out for it, and Francoisehad made a quick offer to take it off her hands.

“Greta, you are not planning to leave, non?”

Greta, sigh. Notthe best alias she had ever used, and one that lead to a preconception that shespoke Swedish. She had never studied the language, and had no intention to pickup a new tongue now with only eighty years left on this blasted quest.

She exhaled slowly. “It’s late, Francoise, and a single gallike me isn’t wise to stay out all hours at the house of the most eligiblebachelor in New York. They’ll be talk. People will think we’re making love.”

“If they will zay zo any’ow, why not do it?” he suggestedwith a wink, stripping Tlalli’s Parisian courtier costume off her in his mind. “Youare not familiar with zhe dress of zhe courtiers. So many ‘ooks, so manylatches. The undressing can be difficult. To ‘ave a partner in the processwould be good.”

She let her eyes run over the layers of lace and silk anddetailed stitching. “And I suppose you believe you’d need help as well withyour… stockings.”

“Oui.”

Standing, the caramel-haired vixen turned out thequarter-burnt cigarette into the tray and mashed it into the ashes. “Very kindof you, Frank, but I’ll pass tonight. But thanks for inviting me. It was…something.”

Just as she turned toward the door, it happened. As though amighty Mariah had blown through her brain, a flood of voices filled her head,then drifted in a diminuendo to asteady hum, a low mental drone that could only mean one thing.

“Guardian,” she declared beneath her breath.

He was standing right behind Francoise when she wheeled backaround, appropriately dressed for the occasion and bearing a striking resemblanceto King Louis XIII, complete with long black hair traipsing over his shoulderand a sly, knowing grin plastered on his porcelain face. He didn’t wear a mask,and thank the goddess for that. The Guardian’s face was far too fair to hidewith disguises. Even if she would rather he’d go jump in the East River.

Without pausing, the Guardian slipped around a baffledFrancoise –obviously he hadn’t a clue who his guest was- and took up Tlalli’shand, bringing it to his lips. The kiss was quick, the eyes- those black eyes- lingeredon her, sending a shiver through her as good as a piece of ice down her back.

“Mademoiselle, Silvio Berconi, at your service.”

“Silvio is it now?” she replied. He grinned. Oh, how thatlopsided gesture of his always forced a compliment in her as her kneesweakened and she labored to stand. “Greta Johanson. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Francoise, approaching an appearance of a gaslamp with hisflushing forehead, stuttered. “Mr. Ber… Ber... Breconi…”

“Monsieur DuBois, my apologies for intruding on your gayaffair, but I’m a colleague of sorts with Miss Johanson.”

Francoise’s eyebrow drew to a sharp angle, and Tlalli wantedto hit the Guardian upside the head. “Isupply him with stolen treasure,” she said directly into his mind, beingcautious to keep her own mind off limits to his insertion, "so what do you suppose he think you do?"

But, as she saw Francoise’s eyes glaze over, she knew thatthe Guardian wasn’t relying on rhetoric or diplomacy to get her alone. Withoutso much as another peep, the Frenchman went solid, stood erect, saluted, then gallantlymarched away.

Tlalli rolled her eyes. “I was about to leave anyway. Youcouldn’t have waited three minutes to track me down in an alley?”

He winked. “You like an audience. Or should I say, youprefer to have witnesses.”

He let the suggestive response hang in the air until shefelt obliged to speak. “Why are you here?”

His answer was an extended hand. “Dance with me.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

She cocked a hip. “Why are you here, Silvio?”

Pulling back his hand, his cheeks flushed. “Just haven’tseen you in a while is all. I happened to hear you were going to be here, and that it was amasquerade, and I couldn’t help but remember that time that you and I crossedpaths in Vienna a century or so ago…”

The memory flooded her with in a moment: images of theGuardian and she, of the kisses, of the touches, of the moments of breaking overthe edge and utter, mind-splitting…

Her breath caught as her fingers flew to the pearls at herthroat.

“Oh, you do remember, then.”

She smiled. “Vividly.”

His body had closed the distance between them in a moment,his lips at her ear. “It’s been too long, love. I’m not asking for areconciliation- I know that’s too much. Just, please, a night. The pagans usedthis night in ancient times to praise the Goddess with fire. Let me use it thisnight to worship at the altar of Sekhmet…”He sent a wave of energy through her,an physical manipulation of pure desire. “…with my own fire.”

The heat of his breath fell over her neck, awakening the dormancycalled desire that she labored to ignore.

Tlalli bent back to gaze in to his hungry, licentious stare.“Well, actually Francoise did remind me of how difficult these dresses are toremove unaided.”

His lips found hers with a teasing brush. “I am at yourservice, milady.”

PRIZE PACK AND ENTRY DETAILS:

Prize: I'm pleased to offer the winner a choice between both 12.21.12 and A Love by Any Measure in eBook format (MOBI or Epub), and/or the title of their choice in autographed paperback. The winner will also receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card (delivered via email).
You must be a member of this site to win. You can sign up by clicking the "follow" button to the left.
To enter, just leave a comment in this post. One winner will be chosen at random and notified on November 1. Comments must post by midnight on October 31.
Please visit all the authors on the hop and enter for a chance to win great prizes and discover some wonderful books.

"12.21.12" (2nd Edition) and "A Love by Any Measure" Kindle releases!

2011-10-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

I'm as pleased as spiked punch to announce that, as of today, both "A Love by Any Measure" and "12.21.12" have become available in the Kindle Store! (clicking on the above covers will take you their sites on Amazon.)

Of course, for those who prefer paper, "A Love by Any Measure" is also available now through most book sellers. For those who still prefer not to buy online, you can special order through any brick-and-mortar shop by providing them with the Name, Author, and ISBN. Print versions of "12.21.12" will also be available sometime in November, and I'll pass long word when that happens. Both books will also be coming soon to the Nook Store, iBookstore, and Sony eReader store, as well as several other smaller venues.

It's been a stressful and challenging process getting two books through the publishing process for about the same release time. I won't lie: I'm looking forward to a little respite this week before NaNoWriMo hits on November 1. A fond thank you to everyone who's supported me in these more recent endeavors!

"Invent my new character" Contest - EXTENDED

2011-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

The release of the second edition of 12.12.12 is right around the bend, and I'm penning away madly the spin-off novella series THE TWELVE. To be release exclusively in electronic format in four volumes in 2012, THE TWELVE is a collection of twelve short stories giving a more intimate portrait of Victoria Kent's twelve proxies through the course of time, from Cleopatra VII circa 30 BCE, to Alexander Cezanne in the here and now (and future!).

And I want your help!

Most of Victoria's proxies are only referenced in passing in 12.21.12, so there's lots of room for experimentation. While we know one is from the Tang Dynasty, another from the Abbasid, and someone in the lot was a Visigoth, the other proxies are largely unknown. There's lots of room for exploration, and that's where you come in. I want you to invent a proxy for me!

The winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift certificate, a signed copy of 12.21.12 (either the first or second edition, or heck, both!), and an attribution in the proxy's story as a contributor.

A few more details:
1. To fit the plot of the original story, the proposed character must be based in a European, African, or Asian environment, and in an era between the death of Cleopatra and roughly 1100 CE. I could potentially write a character based in MesoAmerican cultures circa 1100 CE as well.
2. Winner of the contest will be selected based on whomever's submission I feel I can give the most justice. While I am an amateur historian, I am not well versed or familiar enough with all cultures and eras. Decision of the winner is final.
3. To be eligible to win, you MUST be a follower of my blog. Not a follower yet? It's easy- just hit the "Join this site" or "Follow" button to the left.
4. Contest is open until JULY 31, 2012 (updated).
5. While I will love the winner dearly and shower him/her with praise, the winner will not retain rights to the use of the character after he/she has been written into the story, nor receive any compensation for the sales of the story, other than those listed above.

TO ENTER: Submit a comment below sketching out your Proxy. Include whatever you feel will best inform me , the author, of who this person was. Things you may choose to include could be gender, personality traits, family dynamics, ticks, physical characteristics, etc. Be creative, be experimental. Be UNTRADITIONAL.

Questions? Shoot me an email at killianm@killianmcrae.com.

12.21.12: The Remix

2011-10-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

I remember it like it was 1993. Garth Brooks, country star internacionale, boldly stated in his live shows while singing his uber-hit, "Friends in Low Places" (and I'm paraphrasing here):

You know, sometimes you can record a song, send it out the radio stations, have it become a big hit everyone knows, and it's only then, you realize it was wrong.

He would then proceed to sing the first verse of the song with slightly more bitting lyrics involving homage paid to someone's posterior, and the crowd went wild..

So it is with a novel. It's rare that a writer gets the opprotunity to retune a book after it's been released, but I've been fortunate to do just that. In October 2011, the 2nd edition of 12.21.12 will be released in electronic format (paper format to follow in November), and the re-release has provided me a chance to fine tune and rewrite a few sections. While the orignal end is, on its head, no different, the route taken to get to the destination has been altered slightly. In fact, a key factor of the plot's resolution has been changed. And the first question will be: Why?

I had never originally planned to write a sequel to 12.21.12, but it appears as though Shep and Christine Smyth, Alex Cezanne, Dmitri Kronastia and Victoria Kent simply were not done with me. And more precisely, Isis' son Horus demanded retribution. So, I'm happy to announce that you can expect the sequel of 12.21.12 in December 2012. The first book, then, picks up a few threads that will lead readers into the sequel."So, we run out and buy your first edition, and now you expect us to buy a second edition just so we can see the changes?" And my answer is, of course not. I believe that would be underhanded of me. I want to assure you of two things: 1. If you are unaware of the differences put into the 2nd edition, it will have little to no effect on your ability to follow the second, and 2. I will post to my blog after release the differences between the two versions.

BLOG HOP MONDAY

Hardly Fictional Quandries

2011-10-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

As writers, we all have dilemmas. There are issues the come up time and time again, and though the conflict or problem is widely acknowledged, the opinions on it are divergent and multispectral. I'd like to start a new monthly series in which I invite authors to give their opinions on these, and welcome readers to join in as well.

October's Quandary:
Is romance still a relative subject? How do you hook readers and keep them engaged in today's hook-up culture?

Taking My Life Off the Shelf

2011-09-29T23:38:00.001-07:00

I've been pretty quiet on my blog over the summer, and that's because I've been working hard, hard, hard on helping to get my two Fall releases ready. As I've announced before, "A Love by Any Measure" is due to hit the shelves November 8. I'm also pleased to announce that the expanded edition of "12.21.12" will hit e-shelves in October (print copies should be available again in early- to mid-November). So, you might ask, expanded how? Well, I won't go into specifics, but there's just a bit of new text here and there that will give you better insight into the sequel as well as "The Twelve-" but more on those things next year. ;) And in case you're wondering, no, you will not miss out on anything essential if you bought the first edition, so please don't worry about trying to compare notes on the two editions. I'll make sure to post in November about the small differences between the two versions.
In October, I'll be dragging my YA Fantasy back into my word processor and hacking it all up, just in time to hit the keyboard strokes for NaNoWriMo come November. This year's project is a thriller/suspense time travel piece. Hopefully I can keep up with the demanding pace! Also, I'm happy to be participating in the San Francisco's LitQuake! on October 15, along with several of my colleagues. If you happen to be in the Bay Area that weekend, check out all the events and stop in on a few readings.
And speaking of dragging things off the shelf, I couldn't help but look at my bookshelf this evening and wonder over it. Mind you, there's still plenty of books in boxes in the garage following the move. I thoughts some of you'd like to have a peak in at my shelves, and remember what it was like when you were still able to see the back walls of yours:

It's almost October? I'll sue!

2011-09-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Summer hit me like a soggy brick. No, I don’t know what that means. Nothing good, I suppose. I have been toiling and boiling my upcoming releases, as well as a few pet projects, and am happy to report the following:

-I was honored to receive an honorable mention in Writer Weekly’s 24-hour story contest for the Summer Quarter. I’ve posted a link to the story on my Shorter Works page.

-A blog tour for “A Love by Any Measure” is in the works. If you have a book review or author’s blog, and would like to inquire about participating, please see here.

-After much consideration, I’ve decided to switch blog platforms to Blogger. I’ll still double post on both sites for a while, but if you’d like to continue following me, please make sure to join the new blog.

Release date for "A Love by Any Measure" set; Author Blog Hop

2011-08-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

The release date for "A Love by Any Measure" is set for November 8.

AND.... Let's hop. Authors, if you'd like to join the hop, click here.

"Um, Killian, where is 12.21.12?" and Monday Author Blog Hop

2011-08-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

Aloha! I'm just back from a week long vacation in Maui. I achieved boiled lobster status on Day #2, so the rest of the week was spent lurking in the shadows, conversing with lizards and frogs.

And when I came back from vacation, what did I find in my inbox but a good number of emails asking what happened to 12.21.12. As some of you have discovered, 12.21.12 is no longer available for sale on most of the sites where it had been listed. Yes, 12.21.12 is out of print, but only temporarily! I'm currently transitioning to a new publisher, and we hope to have a 2nd (expanded) edition back on the shelves in hardcover, paperback, and electronic versions mid- to late-Fall. More details on that as they become available. In the meantime, you may still be able to find some limited number of print copies available through Bookshop Santa Cruz, The Avid Reader, Book Nook Monroe, or ThoroughlySmitten.com.

And then, as I know some are wondering, what about A Love by Any Measure? "ALBAM" will still be issued out later this fall, but the date is TBD. Again, as soon as I have additional information I'll pass it along to all of you.

AND.... Let's hop. Well, I'm still pretty full of delicious Hawaiian food, but I'll try to muster a hop. Authors, if you'd like to join the hop, click here.

1.Gabriella Hewitt - Guest Author Opal Carew discussing soul-mates
2.Jennifer Lane: Book Club
3.Nicki Elson: What I love about Indie Publishers

Meet an Author Monday

2011-08-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hullo! I'm temporarily house sitting the Monday Author Blog Hop for Lisa Sanchez, romance author extraordinaire, for the month of August. Even though we're launching out of a different port, our trip will be much the same route.

For newer readers of my blog who aren't familiar with the Author hop, or for any newbies, this is how it works.

Authors! Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are!

Readers! Think of this as a mini-tour, a head's up on some new works coming your way that you might be interested in following. Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS: Follow the Meet an author Monday host along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list. You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool. Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!

The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself! If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

Authors! The more you promote this hop, the more successful it will be. Tweet about it. Post a link on Facebook. Talk about it on your blogs. Let's get the word out!

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

E-reader selection guide, and a recipe

2011-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hello, y'all. Hard to believe the summer is already half over, and yet so much left undone. I'm working with the publisher and gearing up for the release of "A Love by Any Measure," currently on track for release in October. I have a couple other pending news items which I just have to wait a bit longer to share, but I'll be so excited when I'm able to blab all about them.

I just wanted to chime in here on the blog real quick and let you know about a few things:

For anyone who's become dizzy with all the tablets and e-readers hitting the market and can't decide which one's best, I came across an excellent article yesterday by Kyle Wagner of the Denver Post, entitled "Choosing the right e-reader can lighten the traveler's load." Mr. Wagner looks at ten different devices that are currently on the market and gives a break down of each one's features, pros, cons, and price points. (As you know, I'm sold on the iPad, but it certainly has it's limitations.) If this is something you've wanted to learn more about, or just need help figuring out which device suits best your needs and budget. you can find the article here.

I stopped in a few days ago at Lisa Sanchez's blog, and shared with her readers "A romance writer's recipe for making love," part of Lisa's month-long Sizzling Summer Writing Extravaganza.

In the San Francisco area? Come hobnob with authors, writers, and artists galore (and me, for what it's worth) at LitQuake's LitCrawl on October 15!

That's all for now. Hope you're having a groovy July!

Saving the world, one Ta-Ta at a time

2011-06-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Omnific Publishing announces the release of a two-volume romance anthology, proceeds to benefit Save the Ta Tas!

Volume I: Heat Wave

In this anthology, you’ll find six steamy romance stories by some of your favorite authors for some “heated” reading. Fans of paranormal romance will enjoy Robin DeJarnett’s vampire lovers and Lisa Sanchez’s unexpectedly compatible lovers. While Debra Anastasia transports you to a long ago time for some steamy romance,Jessica McQuinn brings you back to the hot protectors of modern day. BJ Thornton andKasi Alexander dip into the exotic with their touch of super sexy. There’s something in this collection to get every reader’s temperature rising!

Volume 2: Summer Breeze

This collection of sweet summer romances brings together seven of Omnific Publishing’s authors for some “breezy” romantic reading. In just one book, you can find Carol Oates’ Irish mythical storytelling,Jennifer Lane’s sassy swimmer, and Hannah Downing’s second chance at first love. While Nicki Elson spins a beautiful tale of remembered love, Killian McRae employs a modern twist with her technology-based romance, and Sarah Glover tells the story of best friends’ summer discovery. Rounded out with Susan Kaye Quinn’s glimpse into the next chapter of her Life, Liberty and Pursuit gang, this anthology offers something for everyone to get lost in this summer.

Available July 5! For more information click here.

And for my readers, here's a little preview of my contribution, "Interpersonal Communications:"

“Professor Chabot, are you coming on to me or not?”

Oh, that was the wrong question. His back stiffened as his hands dove under the table like they were Allied troops making for the trenches. He probably would have left the table completely in search for the color that left his face if our waitress hadn’t returned with the drinks at just that moment.

“I like you…a lot.” Like an afterthought, usually followed by something like ‘But, I’m gay.’ “But that’s not what I’m saying. Oh, goodness. I’ve messed this up terribly. Let me start again. Katie, you’re a beautiful, intelligent young woman, and I hate seeing you sit nine hours a day in your office like it’s a bomb shelter and the air sirens are blaring.”

My boss, whom I had known all of three weeks, was staging an intervention? Worse yet, I had misinterpreted his intentions woefully wrongly. This sort of emotional blindness usually required a taping of Jerry Springer. Suddenly, the little girl from Forrest Gump was in my head, screaming, "Run, Katie! Run!"

I hate painting... and other good news

2011-06-11T05:19:00.000-07:00

I hate painting. I repsect the art and those who practice it, but I'm quite certain it should be classified by the UN as cruel and unusual punishment.

I was shocked when I signed in today to see that my last blog post is almost seven weeks old. I have an excuse in two-parts. First, the good part: My husband and I found a beautiful, charismatic and 100+ year old cottage to move into. The bad news: Every wall, ceiling, and heater vent needed to be resurfaced and repainted. We're still not done, but the end is in sight. So, that gave me a few minutes to sit and catch y'all up on a few things.

Update on "A Love by Any Measure"

The first round of edits are done, and looks like we're shooting for an early Fall release. Want a little snippet? :)

During her life, Maeve's mother had always held the belief that her daughter was too curious for her own good. Once, when she was eight, Maeve had heard from the boys in church that nuns were naked beneath their habits. Maeve had almost succeeded in pulling up the skirts of Sister Mary Agnes in front of the whole congregation before her father had intervened.

As Maeve marched the path from the O’Connor cottage to Shepherd’s Bluff the following night, she cursed her own confliction of cause with every third step. Her only prayer and wish was that August’s indifference would hold. She sincerely hoped he was not intending to check under her skirt. Anticipating the possibility, Maeve had made certain to put on her most restrictive petticoats and underthings in layers. Just because she had to make herself available did not mean she had to make herself accessible.

12.21.12 Mini-tour

12.21.12 is taking one more little blog tour, this time for five days, before summer kicks in full speed. Next week, you can find 12.21.12 posts on the following sites:

6/13/11 Book of Secrets
6/14/11 Buried in Books
6/15/11 Romance That's Out of This World
6/16/11 Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
6/17/11 Grace Elliot- gripping historical romance.

As appreciation for participants on the tour, one commentator on the postings will be selected at random to receive a $20 Amazon gift certificate.

This blog has been kindly arranged for by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Contribution to Charity Short Story Collection

Omnific Publishing is teaming up with Save the Ta-Tas to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer. Starting in July and continuing through September, Omnific will offer two anthologies of short romance stories. All proceeds benefit Save the Ta-Tas. Stories of a more mature variety will appear in the Heat Wave collection, while my story and others of the more sweet versus steam variety can be found in Summer Breeze.

Going to RWA this summer? Pick up 12.21.12 Romance Trading Cards

Unfortunately, I won't be making it out east this summer for RWA, but my friend and fellow romance writer, author of Hearts in Darkness and Forever Freed, Laura Kaye will have a limited number of 12.21.12 romance trading cards with her, as well as some for her own books. Thanks, Laura!

Signed copies & Giveaway #2: How eternal are your guardians?

2011-04-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

NEWS THIS WEEK:

Several people have asked me if there's a way to get signed copies of 12.21.12 and later, of A Love by any Measure. In response to this, a few ladies and I from Thoroughly Smitten are piloting a program where you can purchase copies of 12.21.12, Whirlwind (by Robin DeJarnett), and/or Good Behavior/Bad Behavior (by Jennifer Lane). Books by other Thoroughly Smitten authors may be added later if this pilot goes well. If you're interested, you can find details here.

*drumroll* "SHARING THE BOOTY" GIVEAWAY #2

I have one copy each, signed by the author of Book 1 and Book in the Elisabeth Naughton's Eternal Guardians series. From the author's website:

The Eternal Guardians Series is centered around seven warrors who protect their realm from threats of the Underworld.

Each of the guardians are descended from the seven strongest heroes in all of Greek mythology.

Book one, MARKED, is Theron’s story. He’s the leader of the Argonauts and the one person who has the power to stop an evil god from destroying their world.

Book two, ENTWINED, is Zander’s story. The oldest Argonaut and the one rumors say can’t be killed. After 800 years Zander doesn’t think he has much to live for until a random twist of fate finally gives him a goal worth fighting for.

The how and how nots, aka the rules of giveaway #1:

1. enter by posting a comment (any comment will do, but I love witty, irreverent ones) on this posting. You must be a registered subscriber to this blog, or leave your email address with your comment.

2. winner to be chosen at random. winner gets both books, and will be contacted via registered email address.

3. only USA addresses eligible for shipping.

4. contest open until midnight, May 5.

Good luck, everyone!

RT: Re-Try, Re-Taught, Re-stless....

2011-04-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

RT: The annual convention held by the Romantic Times review magazine that brings together romance readers and writers for several days of laughs, reads, business seminars, and lots and lots (and lots) of free books and swag.

This year's event was held in Los Angeles, CA, and since this is only a short drive from me (well, compared to RWA 2011, which is being held in New York City this year- literally the other side of the continent), fellow writers Robin DeJarnett, Lisa Sanchez and I packed up Helga (my beloved Ford Escape Hybrid) and made for Hollywood. [Here I want to give special thanks to these two wonderfully gifted women: not only did make the whole trip a reward in itself, but they kept mum when my iPod shifted from Bulgarian folk music to the Rolling Stones to Eminem.]

The scope of the 60-90 minute panels were meant to strengthen and expand every sub-genre of romance writing: scifi, contemporary, alternative, fantasy, historical, paranormal... There were even several sessions on Steampunk (BTW= Gail Carriger is BEAUTIFUL). I tended more towards the sci-fi and non-traditional panels, if that tells you anything about which direction I'm heading these days. :) Also, because the event was being held just a few miles from Hollywood, there were several sessions geared towards script writing.

Robin and Lisa also hit up a few panels I was too prudish to journey into, one notably named "Five times a night, really?" meant to *hmm* educate romance writers about the physical capabilities of men whilst they are attending to their "manly duties." Friday afternoon, all three of us also participated in the E-Book/Graphic Book Expo, where we had the opportunity to ply our wares to a book-hungry crowd. (A larger book signing fair was held Saturday afternoon for those published primarily through traditional presses, where I picked up a signed copy of "Lily of the Nile" by Stephenie Dray.)

Now, of course, whenever you get a whole bunch of women together, there needs to be social functions. At the end of each day of lectures, seminars, and giveaways was a magnificent ball. Night #1's theme was Bollywood, sponsored by Ellora's Cave. EC hired a team of Bollywood dancers to entertain the crowd, and when they were done, the dance floor was open. This is how Robin and I can attest that Lisa Sanchez can get pretty damned funky. The second night was the Faery Masquerade ball. Again, Lisa rocked the floor, but at the end of day two my nerves were pretty frayed, so I escaped early and sought out ice cream. The highs and lows came on night three, when we attended the Vampire Ball. The sponsors of this event had prepared a (not) short (enough) skit that made me believe the ball was so called as the entertainment sucked away one's will to live. It was ... well, it was the worst thing I've ever seen, and I've watched both "Isthar" and "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl." But, there was an upside. Any of y'all who knows me knows I hate picture of myself, and I generally don't think I look good EVER. Well, I totally rocked the dress up portion of the vampire ball. So much, in fact, that I agreed to let one of those really rare photographs be taken of me. And rarer still, I'm actually sharing it.

And now the best part! One of the things you get at RT is just a wagonfull of free books. And me? I'm busier than a fox in a hen house most days, so I'll never read three-quarters of what I picked up. So, over the next several weeks, I'll be giving away some books here on the on the blog.

Coming soon.

Just not five times a night.

RT Conference... Contest, Romance cards, etc. ... Today on Coffee Time Romance!

2011-03-25T03:26:00.000-07:00

Coffee Time Romance today is sponsored a forum specifically for California authors participating in the Romantic Times Convention in Los Angeles, April 6-10. You can see more posts from other authors at the Forum here. (If you're not a member at CTR, they are trying to speed-approve new memberships today for new members wishing to participate in today's forums)

Below is my post on the threads:

I'm heading to LA- a setting for many a tale of cataclysmic woe: Volcano (1997), Battle: LA (2011), 10.5 (2006).

Mega Shark Versus Crocosaurus (2010).

Well, I'm coming to LA and to RT to offer you a different flavor: an epic romantic suspense/scifi/alternative history/mystery/speculative novel titled "12.21.12."

"The only way to decode the past is to save the future. The only way to save the future is to decode the past."

Egyptian mythology and Mayan prophecy combine to provide a fast-paced suspenseful romance that will keep you guessing right until the very end.

I'll have swag, Egyptian candy, and temporary tattoos, and will have "12.21.12" in both e-format and hard copy for purchase. I'm also participating in the RT Romance Trading cards program, and will have three cards to offer for characters from 12.21.12: Shep Smyth, Dmitri Kronastia, and Victoria Kent. You can find out more about my and other cards that will be given out here. I'll also have some cards from Laura Kaye, who sadly won't be making RT this year, but will be at RWA this summer.

AND..... *drumroll* along with Robin DeJarnett and Lisa Sanchez, I will be participating in Romance Scavenger Hunt giveaway:

1st PRIZE drawing: A KOBO e-reader, complete with e-editions of our books: 12.21.12, Eve of Samhain (Hanaford Park #1), Pleasures Untold (Hanaford Park #2), and Whirlwind.

2nd Change drawing: An epack of all our books.

HOW TO ENTER: You can pick up a raffle card from any of our tables during the Indie Expo on Friday, 4:00-6:00 PM, or from me at Club RT Wednesday, 2:45-3:15. During the Expo, visit each of our tables to get a punch in your card and drop your card in our bin. Cards with three punches are eligible for the 1st Prize drawing. Cards with one or two punches will be eligible for the 2nd chance drawing.

You can also win a 12.21.12 gift basket in Club RT!

Well, yeah... Just a whole bunch of stuff aka Killian's all-in-one ball of blog posting of awesomeness.

2011-03-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

I can't think of a snazzy title, so let's just call this "Killian's all-in-one ball of blog posting of awesomeness."

THE TOUR IS ON

The 12.21.12 blog tour, organized by Yara at "Once upon a Twilight" is 1/3 the way in and going strong. My thanks to Yara and everyone who has already or is to yet participate. Don't have a copy of 12.21.12 yet? You can win one at several stops on the tour. See here for more details.

Calling all Michiganders, Ohioians, and Ontarions... I'm coming your way.

Next stop in the 12.21.12 road tour is Southeastern Michigan. I'll be appearing this coming Monday, March 14, 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM at The Book Nook in Monroe, Michigan, and in a joyful occasion for me, at the South Rockwood Public Library on Tuesday, March 15, 5:00 PM in South Rockwood, MI. This one-room library, about the size of a one-car garage, was my door to the outside world for many a year growing up, and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to return as an author. I'm hopping I can find a book or two that still has my name on a card in the back. I know where to look. :)

Next month, Los Angeles and the RT conference, which leads me to...

Romance Trading Cards

So, a week or two ago, Jeannie Lin, author of "Butterfly Swords," came up with the great idea of authors offering Trading Cards this year at RT and RWA (to be held this summer in New York City.) Whereas the RWA events are restricted to registered participants, the RT book expo and book fair in Los Angeles is open to the public (for a $5 entry fee). Participating authors have prepared so really fantastic designs, which you can see posted here.

For 12.12.12, I'll be offering the following trading cards:

12.21.12: Coming to a Blog Near You

2011-02-28T01:24:00.000-08:00

The 12.21.12 blog tour kicks off tomorrow! Each stop brings something a little different, from reviews to giveaways to interviews with characters and even a few guest blog articles from yours truly. I'll also post bonus materials that appear on other blogs over here on Killian McRae as well, but not until a few days after it posts on the host's site.

And it all culminates at the end of the month on March 31 with a live chat, hosted by the blog organizer, Yara from Once Upon a Twilight. Details and the how and where will be posted shortly.

And one last note: You can also find me now on LibraryThing.com, or pick up 12.21.12 at the Santa Cruz Bookshop in Santa Cruz, CA or at the Avid Reader in Davis, CA.

12.21.12 Book Tour Schedule

Blog Tour Schedule:

Julie @ A Tale of Many Reviews - Review - March 1st 2011

Yelania @ The Itzel Library - Interview - March 2nd 2011

Damaris @ Good Choice Reading - Top Ten/Giveaway - March 3rd 2011

Mandy @ Twimom101's book blog - Interview - March 4th 2011

Casey @ Dark Readers Blog - Interview - March 5th 2011

Alisha @ My need to Read - Character post - March 6th 2011

Jules @ One Book Shy of a Full Shelf - Interview/Giveaway - March 7th 2011

Lisa K. @ Baffled Books - review - March 8th 2011

Sarah @ The Book Bee - Character Interview - March 9th 2011

Page @ One Book at a time - Guest post/Interview - March 10th 2011

Michelle @ Hooked To Books - Giveaway/Review - March 11th 2011

Kristin @ My Bookish Ways - Review/Interview - March 12th 2011

Celine @ Nyx Book Reviews - Top Ten - March 13th 2011

Sherri @ Urban Girl Reader - review/Q&A/giveaway - March 14th 2011

Cherry @ Cherry Mischievous - Guest post - March 15th 2011

Bianca @ Sweet Nothings xo - review/giveaway - March 16th 2011

Rebecca @ My Life with Boys and Books - review - March 17th 2011

Megan @ A Trail of Books Left Behind - review/character interview - March 18th 2011

Jennifer @ Ponytails Book Reviews - review - March 19th 2011

Tammy @ Into The Mystic - - March 20th 2011

Lisa @ Bookworm Lisa - Top Ten/Giveaway - March 21st 2011

Tara @ Taming the Bookshelf - - March 22nd 2011

Rachel @ Parajunkee's View - - March 23rd 2011

Melissa @ I Swim for Oceans - review/interview - March 24th 2011

Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - giveaway/interview - March 25th 2011

Christin @ Between the Covers - review - March 26th 2011

Stacy @ Girls in the Stacks - review - March 27th 2011

Ash @ Smash Attack Reads - character interview - March 28th 2011

Aleetha @ bacaan-ally blog - review - March 29th 2011

Ashlie @ Bookish Novelties - review/interview - March 30th 2011

Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight - Review/Giveaway - March 31st 2011

Once Upon a Twilight Author Live chat - March 31st 2011 @ 9pm C

12.21.12 received award- and don't forget, Davis this Sunday

2011-02-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

I'm very proud to announce that 12.21.12 won 2nd Place in the Romantic Suspense category of the Houston chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 "Judge a book by its cover" contest. Now, with me she'll always be first, but I'm happy to see Coreen get some public nods. My thanks to the judges for the honor they've given her.

And, as a reminder for those in San Francisco Bay Area, I'll be appearing at the Avid Reader bookstore in Davis, CA this Sunday at 2 PM. I'll have swag and sweets (think baklava), and the Avid Reader will have copies of 12.21.12 for anyone who'd like to pick up a copy.

Stepping out... AKA In person appearances

2011-01-31T05:33:00.000-08:00

Robin DeJarnett and I were overwhelmed by the huge turnout last week in Campbell, CA for our joint release party for Whirlwind and 12.21.12. We had planned for thirty, we had hoped for forty.

We got eighty.

We both had a limited number of hard copies available at the event, and sold out every one, with pre-orders for more. To say we were humbled is putting it mildly. Better yet, we had a great time sitting and talking with fans and new readers. Robin's daughter provided live music, including some original compositions, and my daughters and I baked a wedding cake made to look like the one off the copy of Robin's book. Best part: It was almost entirely consumed onsite, because I so would have finished that off in one sitting at home.

So, on the heels of that roaring success, I wanted to announce three more upcoming appearances.

February 13 (Sunday), 2 PM: I'll be signing and maybe giving a small reading at the Avid Reader in Davis, CA.
March 14 (Monday), Time TBD: Signing and reading at the Book Nook in Monroe, MI.
April 8 (Friday), 4PM: I'm participating in the E-Book, Indie and Graphic Novel Expo at the RT Conference in Los Angeles, CA.

Want me to come to your hometown sometime this year? I'll have some limited opportunities in the summer and fall. Drop me a comment below and let me know where you're at.

Release Party Tonight: Campbell, CA

2011-01-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

For any of you in the greater San Francisco Bay Area: Robin DeJarnett and I will be holding a co-release party for our novels, Whirlwind and 12.21.12 at the Sonoma Chicken Coop in Campbell, CA at 7 PM. We would be thrilled if you're able to stop by and pick up some swag, try some fondue, or just say hello. We'll also have a limited number of copies of both books on sale.

K.

"A Love by any Measure" to be published

2011-01-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm overjoyed to announce that "A Love by any Measure" has been accepted for publication.

Unable to pay rent on her family’s Irish cottage, Maeve O’Connor offers the only thing she has to English Landlord, August Grayson: herself. She must submit herself to his leisure twice as long on each occasion, and each time wants to leave him half as much. Set in Killarney, Ireland in the 1860′s.

I will, of course, release more details as they become available, but I just wanted to get that bit of news out there.

Blog Tour; Release Party/Appearance Information; Win a Signed Copy of 12.21.12; An Irresistible Tease

2011-01-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Wow, what a few weeks it's been...

12.21.12 has been on sale for a little over two weeks now, and already I'm hearing back some positive reviews. For anyone who has a book review blog or podcast and would be interested in joining the Book Blog tour during the month of March, please see the following.

To those in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, I would be delighted if you would join Robin DeJarnett, author of Whirlwind, and me at our co-release party on January 27, 7 PM, at the Sonoma Chicken Coop in Campbell, CA. We will both have a limited number of copies of our books available for purchase, as well as swag, live music, and light snacks. Robin tells me we'll also be offering a reading from our novels. I know Robin will. I will make every attempt to overcome my stage fright to do so.

I also will be appearing at The Book Nook in Monroe, MI in mid-March, and at the RT Conference in Los Angeles, CA in April. Please see 'Appearances' on killianmcrae.com for more information. (Hard copies will be available for purchase at both events.)

I have a new giveaway contest on Goodreads for an autographed copy of 12.21.12. It runs through 1/21/11, and is open to residents of about twenty countries, so don't assume you're ineligible just because our not in the US or Canada. ;)

AND FINALLY....

The ink still hasn't dried on the paper, so I cannot yet state anything by name, but a book that many of my fans have been hoping to see in print for sometime has been picked up for publishing. I'll share more details just as soon as I'm able.

The End is near. It's tomorrow. 12.21.12 Excerpt #4

2010-12-20T01:31:00.000-08:00

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="259" caption="...and an Egyptian in a Spruce Tree. "][/caption]

Tomorrow is it: release day. It doesn't seem real yet, as though any moment someone is going to let me in on the fact that this has all been an elaborate practical joke. But, assuming that it is real, I'm obliged to offer up that last pre-release excerpt for you.

(FYI: For those who like romantic suspense, my good friend and publishing housemate, Robin DeJarnett, has her release tomorrow as well: Whirlwind.)

Also, I wanted to show you how we're marking 12.21.12's release here at home: a new ornament for the tree this year. I've already have had several people ask me where I got it. The answer is Cost Plus World Market, where I also picked up a Mosque-shaped ornament. And a kitchen table. You go in for gnocchi, you come with a dining set...

12.21.12 Excerpt #4

Victoria's expression shifted, becoming sincere. “Shep, I’m sorry I got you involved in all this. I hadn’t planned to subject you to Dmitri’s company. If he’s hurt you in any way ... ”

“Treated me rather nicely, actually,” Shep interrupted. “Except for the taking me prisoner and killing my friend part, he was a perfect host.”

She hung her head shamefully. “I’m sorry about Hector. He was a good man. Unfortunately, Dmitri’s never developed my ability to skim life rather than chug it.” She was silent for a moment, before again she shifted, now sounding all professional. “What else did he tell you?”

“Enough for me to know that humanity is screwed.”

12.21.12 Excerpt #3... Only 8 more days!

2010-12-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

Only one more preview before release day! I'm getting all antsy and excited and don't know if I should jump up and down or hide in the corner. There's still time to enter the giveaway at Goodreads, where two copies of 12.21.12 are up for grabs.

Octavian understood; if it were to be a battle of wits, they were too equally matched. Whatever tolerance the woman’s body had to the poison, it meant likely that any measure of pain short of death would have no influence on her. All that was left was to hear her out.

“Your name, Lady?”

“I have many, sire. Your father by law called me as do the people of this land: Sekhmet.”

Octavian chuckled, sitting back in his chair and raising his own goblet to his mouth. “Yes, he spoke of you. Consort of the queen, he said. Quite the scandal, if word of this ever reached Rome. Tell me, is it not heretical to take on the name of a goddess?”

A slight smile tugged the corners of her mouth. “No more so than to take on the title of Caesar.”

12.21.12 Excerpt #2 and Meet and Author Monday

2010-12-06T01:51:00.000-08:00

Only 15 days until release! 12.21.12 went up on the publisher's website yesterday. Yes, this is actually real. I find myself in a haze of confusion and enchantment at the prospect that my book is only days away from release. Want a chance at a free copy? There's still time to enter the Goodreads Giveaway, where two copies are up for grabs.

And as promised, here's the second installment of my pre-release teasers:

Shep had been playing, replaying and re-replaying the events of the last seventy-two hours in his head. Hell, truth be told, he was analyzing things back to the beginning of time. He had never been a particularly religious man. Following Christine’s death, he had tried to develop an understanding of God, if for no other reason to assuage his own anxieties over the fate of Christine’s soul. Before, if asked, he would have claimed that he held no belief for something as far-fetched as Heaven. After Christine died, however, he had felt the need to prove himself wrong, or at least allow for the possibility. As it turned out, proving to one’s self the possibility of something that most people vehemently denied or unconditionally endorsed was harder than it sounded. One thing he had decided for certain: the caring, compassionate soul of the woman he loved had not ceased to exist solely because her corporeal shell had been crushed under the earth. And somehow, he always felt like she was with him, as though on the outside of a door where he stood with his hand on the handle, only to find it locked.

And because it's Monday, I'd like to give a shout out to some of my fellow writers via the Meet an author Monday blog hop (via the link below). A special "Hey!" to Robin DeJarnett, whose romantic suspense, "Whirlwind," releases the same day as 12.21.12.

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Pre-release Monday Preview: 12.21.12 snippet

2010-11-29T03:54:00.000-08:00

Today and for the next few weeks, leading up to the release of 12.21.12, I'd like to share a few snippets of the book with you. For today, please enjoy the following:

Christine’s photo was all over the townhouse, but that didn’t mean Shep looked at her anymore. He couldn’t. He was too ashamed, feeling like he had somehow let her down. If he had managed to move a little quicker, not looked through her bag for the missing jade-colored pastel, he could have gotten to her in time. And since her death, what had he done to honor her memory? Found the evidence to show his theory right, the theory she died in trying to prove? No, he hadn’t even tried to re-excavate the site after the rescue crew pulled her body from the sinkhole.

Maybe this was his chance. Maybe whatever Hector found in Mexico could finally give him the closure he needed and her memory deserved. And maybe, just maybe, he’d find a way to move on.

12.21.12 Cover Released

2010-11-23T03:28:00.000-08:00

Less than a month until release. Have a Goodreads account? Why not add it to your reading shelf? I've also been working on the website, where you can now find a playlist and guest book.

Soon to be announced: Signing and Readings in 2011.

Also should have some other exciting news to share with you soon on another project. :)

The designer at Omnific really did outstanding work. Full props, yo. Full props.

Book(s) Review: "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay"

2010-10-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

I had wanted to do separate reviews for the second and third book for the Hunger Games trilogy, but I simply couldn't pause in my reading long enough to do so. There will be spoilers in the below, so be advised.

I'm a self-professed history fanatic. When I hit the first book in the series, I was immediately able to see the allusions to Ancient Rome and the Punic Wars. When I came to "Catching Fire," I interpreted it as a transistor in the analogy. In the second installment in the series, Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, learn that for the third quarter quell, the Hunger Games roster will be filled by victors from previous years. Immediately, Katniss realizes that her win from the year before has resulted her being a target for the Capitol, and that Peeta is just as determined as before to ensure her survival, even at the cost of his own. The attendance of victors from across the years, from Katniss and Peeta as the youngest, to the oldest being estimated in her eighties, appeared to me as a reference to the European states heading into World War II. Collins is not the first to make the connection between the wars of the later Roman Republic/Early Empire and WWII. However, she makes it personal on a level at which historical texts often fail.

As the Quarter Quell kicks into action, Katniss is again unable to comprehend the intensity of Peeta's love for her. Tribute-Victors begin to fall left and right in the new arena, a tropical rain forest environment which is designed to look and function as a time piece. (Again, I see this as Collins informing the reader that, while our alluded era is shifting, so much remains the same.) When Peeta is nearly killed by walking into an electrified force field, Katniss begins to connect with her own burgeoning emotions, and realizes that she, too, is falling for him. However, Katniss has never been a romantic, and she remains focused on her goal. By allying with several tribute-victors, including the dashing Finnick, the inventive Beetee, and the no-nonsense, Katnisslike Johanna, the band is able to out-maneuver the Capitol's best attempts to rid themselves of the growing threat their survival poses. In a confusing, high-action series of events (the confusion here stemming not from any fault in the quality of writing but, on the contrary, to a very crafty and concisely penned reflection of Katniss' own bewilderment), Katniss is able to out-smart the workings of the Capitol's force field device, and is rendered unconscious by Johanna. Feeling she's failed and giving herself over to death, an amazed and jaded Katniss awakes to learn that her elder, allied victors were part of resistance group determined to overthrow the Capitol, that she was kept in the dark so she couldn't be interrogated for knowledge of the workings of the group if their escape from the arena failed, and that in retaliation for their actions, Katniss' home district, District 12, has been destroyed. Though her mother, sister and best friend/suitor, Gale, have escaped to the once-thought-destroyed District 13, Peeta was not successfully rescued from the HG arena, and is being held prisoner by the Capitol.

"Mockingjay" opens several months after the events of "Catching Fire." Now harbored in relative safety in District 13, Katniss is on the edge of sanity, her mind warped by injury and circumstance. District 13's survival comes as a surprise, and provides a refuge for the survivors of District 12, but isn't above using Katniss as a pawn in their war against the Capitol. Asking her to serve as the symbolic leaders of their cause, she's disappointed but not shocked to see that she would be used as tool by them just as she was by the Capitol in the first HG. Gale, having professed his love for her, is nonetheless separated by his need to rebel against the Capitol's power, and even in moments where Katniss softens and lets him nearer, he finds himself again immediately sidelined by either her use of him as a diversion, or in her difference of goal in the upcoming war. Several Capitol defectors, District 13 citizens, and former HG Victors become Katniss' friends, supporters and allies. Most of these parties are in turn symbolic references to various players in WWII (Gale=France, Pollux= Poland, the Capitol=Germany, District 2=Italy, Haymitch may be a general characterization of Churchill, Coin, FDR, and Snow, Hitler). Peeta is being used as a propaganda device under the Captiol's control, appearing on Panem TV to beg the rebels and Katniss to give up the fight before it destroys them all. The rebels volley with a series of propos on hijacked Capitol airwaves, showing the damage the Capitol has wreaked and their disregard for the value of the slave labor districts they control. However, Katniss finally agrees to serve as the Mockingjay symbol, which inspires the revolution in the districts. Leading ever closer to the Capitol, Peeta is eventually rescued in a covert mission, though he has been brainwashed to believe that Katniss is his enemy. Having become aware of her love for Peeta, she soldiers on nonetheless, determined that her personal vengeance for Peeta's love's corruption and the loss of her home district can only be manifested against the Capitol by personally assassinating President Snow. In a tragic turn, outside the gates of presidential mansion, with her goal in sight, Prim falls victim to the cause. The loss leads Katniss, betrayed and sober, to see District 13 in the same light as the Capitol, and when her chance to dispatch Snow finally arrives, she instead kills President Coin. Declared insane, Katniss is sent back to District 12, where only the victor's village remains, to live out her life in alienation from the New Republic. Eventually, a reprogrammed Peeta returns to her, and the two are slowly able to build a life together. A rather brief, a-little-too-sugary epilogue references the birth of Peeta and Katniss' two children, and despite the excitement of the events leading to the fall of the Capitol, the final few chapters seem rushed, convenient and lacking resolution.

Over all, the HG trilogy is one of the best YA series I have ever read. It respects the intelligence and emotional maturity of the target audience while not oversimplifying the consequence of decisions, actions and fortune the way many other members of this genre do. Though its anti-big brother message and warning of the evil of totalitarian societies and analogy of the communist/fascist paradigm is sometimes a little too heavy in the subtext, it is still spun over an engaging-enough tale that one doesn't mind taking a little medicine with the sugar. Katniss' struggles are realistic and her actions sincere. Peeta's devotion sometimes comes off as a little too intense for someone asked to sacrifice so much at such a young age, but then again, if not for the innocence and romantic blindness, his character could never have played the role required of it. The violence in some passages is extremely graphic, and I would advise readers sensitive to accurate portrayal of war and death to shy away, but I highly recommend this without reserve to readers ages 14+.

Outlining for the Pantser, Pantsing for the Outliner: Planning just enough and winging it sufficiently so you don’t get stuck during NaNoWriMo

2010-10-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

This is a copy of an article that posted to the Fictionista Workshop today. Take a look for more information on the NaNoWriMo project on their website.

Do you know what you’re having for dinner tonight?

Okay, how about tomorrow night?

If you have your meals planned out, even three days from now, chances are you take the same methodical approach with your writing. That is, before you even label the first page with a prominent CHAPTER ONE across the top, you have your story mapped, tracked, and tagged. You know exactly where it’s going, who falls in love, who dies, who gets abducted by aliens, etc. You, my dear writer, are an outliner. Nothing left to chance or folly, you hit your novel with all the strategy and wherewithal of a Roman general on the field of battle. You know what your character finds behind door number three, and you like it that way. Now, all you need to do is take that skeleton you have in the corner, and write some clothes, flesh and muscles on him.

Then, there are writers like me. We are a different lot who sips tea while waxing the words poetic and listening for the muse whenever and however she may call upon us. We’re not just working on one manuscript, we likely have four or five competing projects going at any point. Each one is at a critical point where we’ve run out of words, where the flow of our creative juices has run dry, or where we just plain grew tired of thinking about it. Oh, they’re not abandoned, but our heroine has just grabbed the car keys and left in a huff after having a fight with her mother, and we just haven’t figured out yet to where she’s driving to or why. We have an idea, but every time we sit down and start her dialogue as she enters the gay bar on 3rd & Vine, we remember that we didn’t want her to go there until after she met the guy with blue glasses, because then she would have noticed the mechanical bull already that we weren’t planning on her discovering until after she robbed the bank. Yes, we have ideas. Too many, in fact, to the point that where we don’t know where to take them without our story taking an emergency exit to Tangentville. It’s not lack of direction, it’s lack of destination that plagues us. We write by the seat of our pants and by the grace of the coffee in our cups. We are the pansters.

And one thing we pantsers have in common with the outliners is this: Come NaNoWriMo, we’re both screwed.

As with many things in life, those at the two extremes of the spectrum have more in common with each other than those in the middle. Plan too much, and you feel obligated to stay on the scheduled tour, even when you see an interesting spire rising from the sky in the distance. Don’t plan enough, and you’ll wander around the fictional streets between the Conflicts and Resolutions districts without finding an efficient route in between. In short, you’ll get lost and get stuck. In NaNoWriMo, time is of the essence. Writing fifty thousand words in the span of thirty days is a completely achievable task, but only if one does not get mired down in the process of writing. Having too much of a plan may lead you to feel overly confident. That is, you may be all hat and no cowboy, taking on your novel knowing what you’re going to write, but not how. Also, writing is an art form, and in art there must be wiggle room to allow the artist to mold inspiration. Likewise, having no clear plan but only vague ideas may lead one to get delayed in the art of writing by overindulging in the process behind the words.

May I be so humble as to suggest, at least in preparation for NaNoWriMo, a hybrid of the two approaches?

I think it’s good to have more than a vague idea of what you’re going to write. I’ll admit, even as a pantser, I’m gearing up by at least sitting down and making a bullet point list of the major plot points of my story. I know, however, if I get wrapped up in microploting my characters’ actions before hand, I’ll lose inspiration and drive to tell the story. Think of it this way. I feel like I’m standing in the land of good intentions and yet-to-start actions, and across the river of Novelia, the imaginary land where I live most the time, lies Fifty Kay Acres. I need to build a bridge to this place, so I’m now pouring the concrete that will make up the pillars. But to truly cross the bridge I’m going to need to lay down the road. I’ve got all my materials ready, but I’m pacing myself to show up over at Fifty Kay by December 1st.

Yeah, I use metaphors a lot. Sorry about that.

Some other tactics you might want to consider as you plan your own NaNoWriMo are listed below. The methods combine the best of the pantsing and planner approaches, allowing one to overcome the shortfalls with each.

The Post-it Method: Who are your characters? What are the major events in your book? What is the journey? Write a little something about each of these things on post-it notes that you can either put on the wall near where you write, or in a binder you can easily access. Then, arrange them. How? Well, chronologically perhaps. Or if you’re more a punster, perhaps by want. There’s nothing wrong with having conflicting post-its about where your story might go. As you head in one direction or another, or as you achieve the plot point, take it down and make a stack. Not only will this keep you on track, the stack of post-its will give you a visual confirmation that all your hard work is adding up.

The Flow Chart Method: That’s right, flow charts. Now, you don’t have to stick to all the rules, but just chart out your story. Make sure you leave room on the side to make notes. You can then branch out with different ideas if you have several about the twist your plot might take. As you eliminate options or advance in your plot, ex-out the unnecessary bits.

The Popsicle Stick Method: Go to your local craft store and purchase a bag of popsicle sticks. Write possible routes your story might take or details about your characters on as many as you feel comfortable with, then throw them in a bag. When you get stuck or need a pointer, randomly draw out a popsicle stick and remind yourself what you were thinking of when you wrote it and, more importantly, how you frame that in what you’re writing now.

Use a recycled plot. I’m not joking on this one. A wise friend constantly reminds me that there are no new stories. In fact, I don’t really believe that, but I will admit that there are very few. What changes are the details. If plotting isn’t your thing, but your excel at detail, at capturing the human condition, at examining the clockwork of soul, by all means recycle. But be wary: I’m not saying plagiarise. Plagiarism is bad, wrong, and lazy. But there are some generalized plots you see over and over, and don’t necessary get worn. The young lovers separated by the station of their families, for example, or the virtuous, strong hero overthrowing the tyrannical despot. It’s okay to tell a classic story, as long as the story you’re telling is yours.

Phone a friend. Do you have a person in your life who just… gets you? Why not use them as a bouncing board. Throw off some ideas about your book and get their general reaction. Perhaps even stage a fake pitch, as though your friend is an agent and you’re trying to sell your intended book to them.

Pantsers: cut off shorts are also comfy. If you’re a pantser like me, you’re convinced that “outlining” is an ancient Norwegian cuss word. How about blurbing? Can you contain the essence of your book in 200 words or less? If not, why not give it a try? The brevity will give you lots of room to work as inspiration hits, but having a basic summary will orientate you about where you’re going.

Whatever method you use to help you get ready for NaNoWriMo, the most important thing is this: write. Write every day, even if only 100 words. Even if you know you’re going to delete those words in the first draft, write. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the novel about it might be written in a month.

Killian McRae is an aspiring writer of romance, alternative history, and fantasy fiction, and also has a sizable portfolio of derivative fiction. Her first published novel, 12.21.12, will be released in December 2010. To learn more about her, please visit her website www.killianmcrae.com.

Interested in participating in NaNoWriMo?

Sign up at www.nanowrimo.org to get started and continue to visit the Fictionista Workshop homepage for tips and tools to aid you.

Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop

2010-10-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

Here's how it works:

READERS:
Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS:

Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Cali Cheer Mom) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.
You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.
Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!
The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!
If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

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Book Trailer; NaNoWriMo; Goodreads; Facing the Public

2010-10-01T03:54:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot going on this week, and instead of make a bunch of miniposts, I decided to save it all up for today:

Unofficial Book Trailer of 12.21.12 released

With the release of 12.21.12 less than three months off, I've finalized work on the unofficial trailer. This may or may not be used as the official trailer, as I know Omnific has also been working on how they want to advertise the book. Anyways, here it is, for whomever would like to see it. :)

Don't stop writing until you see the dotting of the I's. Or until December 1st, whichever comes first.

November is nearly upon us, and for many of us that means it's NaNoWriMo time, or National Novel Writing Month. The challenge: write a 50,000 word novel (or 50,000 words towards a novel) during the month of November. Are you up to the challenge? *Shivers.* Am I?

This year, I'm happy to announce that I'll be working with the Fictionista Workshop to form a writing and support group. We'll be giving advice, pep talks, unofficial online writing sessions, helpful articles on planning and preparing, and a guide on what do to afterward. Interesting in hitting NaNoWriMo with us? Drop me a line! Or sign up for the Fictionista Workshop Forums, where much of our communication will be based.

You can now find me on Goodreads!

You can now find my author profile on Goodreads, an interactive website for readers and writers.

Facing the public. Finally.

After much pushing and cajoling, a crack team of friends/relatives got me over my catagelophobia, and I finally had a press photo taken. This may be the only one ever. I'll not creep you out by reposting it here, but you find it in the About Me section of the blog. You've been warned, and I take no responsibility for damage done to your eyes or cracked monitors.

Book Review: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

2010-10-01T01:37:00.000-07:00

It's rare that I find a YA book that I consider a literary classic. The last one was Harry Potter. Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games," for me, merits that distinction.

Firstly, yes, I know I'm a little behind on discovering this gem. I had heard of it for sometime, and always the feedback was good. Why I hesitated, and why it's effected me so much, is because first in all things, I am mother. Since I ventured on that path more than fourteen years ago, I've developed an inability to read or watch any media in which the suffering of children is vividly told. I didn't think I'd be able to handle HG, as the protagonist is just a teenager. But I discovered that, while Katniss Everdeen is small in years, she is beyond reproach with wisdom, cunning and intelligence. Katniss' tragic state of existence, shared with the members of her family and town, don't allow her to exist in a bubble of extended adolescence the way so many other fictional characters of this genre do. She is raw, fully aware of the inhumanity and deprivation she suffers, and an active and fervent participant in shielding her younger sister, Prim, from suffering the consequences of their reality as much as is proper and possible. Upon her father's death and her mother's self-removal of spirit from their lives, it is Katniss whom becomes the soter familias. She hunts, trades, even pokes her mother into caring and living again, to some extent. She keeps them going, and in doing so, earns the respect of the city and love of her sibling.

The Hunger Games themselves are a punishment inflicted by the Capitol, the ruling seat of Panem, the post-apocalyptic country that exists in place of the USA sometime in the distant future. When one of the cities of Panem revolts against the Capitol's iron-fisted rule, the consequence is taken out on the remaining twelve cities by which an annual tribute requires two children, ages 12-18, to be offered to the Hunger Games. The male and female representatives of each city are pitted against the others in a battle to the death from which only one may emerge victorious. In the annual drawing in Katniss' city, District 12, Prim is selected as the annual female tribute. Katniss sacrifices herself,taking her sister's place, and changing her destined path and Panem forever.

I have not done extensive research on the author or yet read the rest of the series. As a student of history, I am intrigued by the author's use of a similar punishment as given to Carthage by the Romans following the second Punic War. I even see parallels between Katniss and her father and Hannibal Barca, the hero of Carthage, and his father. This parallel made the book all the more an engaging read for a history lover like me.

Highly recommended, and highly enjoyed

12.21.12 Website Preview

2010-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

There's still some work to do on her, including adding a secret page with spoilers, extras, trivia, and other 12.21.12 goodies and cleaning up a bunch of typos, but the beta version of the site is hot off the presses.

Check it out!

Paper or Plastic? Where do you come down on e-readers?

2010-09-23T05:21:00.000-07:00

I have an admission to make.

I hate books.

No, wait! Don't jump to conclusions. Hmm, maybe let me rephrase? I hate printed books.

You see, I'm a techie. Okay, I'm not a techie in the way that I can hack into highly secure systems and force all the telephones in the Pentagon to ring at the same time, but I do like gadgets. In the last few years, as the Kindle and other eReaders have come on the market, I've sat back on watched as the popularity of eBooks boomed and printed sales fell. And, really, why wouldn't you buy an eBook? They're less expensive, more portable, you can carry hundreds with you at a time on a device that weights no more than a pound at most. No more stuffy bookshelves, frayed covers, or risqué romance covers you have to be certain the kids don't see...

Nope, I'm an eBook fanatic. In fact, if a book is not available in an electronic format, 95% of the time these days I won't buy it. Mind you, it does create a rather odd, secondary effect in that, as a writer, I can't really offer to autograph a copy of an eBook. I'm sure there's something to be done about that, and believe me, I have ideas, both low tech and high. But I know some people still like the physical interaction with a printed novel. I simply can't fathom the preference over the practical.

My book now comes out in less than three months. It will be released both in paper and electronic versions, both Kindle format and others. Personally, I'll be interested to see how the sales break down.

Any of y'all joined me on the eBook bandwagon? Any of you holding out? Are there formats you prefer? Are there certain books you prefer to have paper copies for, instead of e-copies? Do you have an eReader, and what kind? Are your kids using them? Do you use them for things other than reading?

Affiliates rock!

2010-09-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone! I recently added an affiliates page here on WP, and there's links to several on the KM website as well. I wanted to take a moment to tell you about one in particular, the Fictionista Workshop.

Fictionista helps writers, new and old, develop their craft through practice, mentoring, and online community building. In the coming months, I'll be participating with them on several projects which may be of interest to both readers and writers. Articles I write for Fictionista will also appear here on the the KM blog, but there's a whole bunch of goodness on their site to explore. Head on over and check them out by clicking on the logo!

Have a website or community and want to become my affiliate? Let me know!

"Twice as Long" receives honorable mention.

2010-09-06T01:13:00.000-07:00

A revised version of "Twice as Long as Yesterday" was entered in the 2010 Textnovel.com contest. On 6 September, the Semi-finalist were announced and, sadly, TALAY did not make the cut. However, it did receive and Honorable Mention from the Editorial Board.

New site goes live

2010-09-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'll continue blogging on wordpress, but I created a new, enhanced website in preparation for the release of 12.21.12 later this year. Cruise on over and let me know what you think!

K.

Tiffany Madison rants on Chivalry (and maybe we should too)

2010-09-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

My friend and colleague, Tiffany Madison, author of the upcoming novel, Black and White, posted an opinion piece on her website today about the concept of Chivalry. I thought it was it was interesting, and would be curious to hear your feedback. You can find Tiffany's original post (and comment there, if you like) here at her blog.

The below is reproduced with the author's permission.

Ranting on Chivalry, a post by Tiffany Madison, 3 September 2010

A while ago a respected friend of mine posted a discussion note on Facebook titled “Chivalry should be DEAD,” and so naturally, I stopped to read. Shortly after beginning, I learned that the post was in response to an article she had read titled On Chivalry and Internalized Misogyny, written by Amanda Hess of WashingtonCityPaper.com.

Normally, based on the title alone, I would have cast this off as another propaganda piece from a dilettante Internet-sociologist touting the counter-productive virtues of
fanatical feminism, but my respected colleague’s remarks gave me pause. She agreed with the author, making the following statement:

“Chivalry puts the protection of the woman’s honor onto any man associated with her. Chivalry is NOT something to strive for. Chivalry assumes that a woman cannot do or think or act of her own volition because she needs to defer to a man in those situations. It breeds misogyny of women because it assumes women are inferior to men.”

So I read further, discovering that in the article, Hess uses a combination of historical horror stories and circular logic to levy charges of inherent sexism against the practice of chivalry, shedding a damning light on the Western behavior entirely. She implies that men are historically selfish brutes and in their desire to control women, have manifestated their desires through chivalrous acts. Failing to realize her own hypocrisy by making such sweeping generalizations about the entire male gender, the author assumes we should strive to eradicate the concept all together, claiming it perpetuates misogny.

True reason was scarce, but there was a definition. The author characterizes chivalry as follows:

Ah, chivalry: That old code of behavior that men must follow in order to protect the “honor” of women they know. Through chivalry, a woman’s honor becomes a man’s responsibility; her honor brings honor to him, and her shame brings him shame. Chivalry isn’t just offensive because it forces men to protect women, but also because traditional ideas of what brings “honor” and “shame” to women are often highly sexist. And so, chivalry also works to encourage women to internalize misogyny in order to preempt shame from befalling men.

Maybe it’s cultural, but in the South we have some of the strongest women I’ve ever encountered and our men revere that strength and nobly seek to honor us in small chivalric gestures, which almost denotes a superiority. I can’t remember the last time I opened a door for myself, and if a man doesn’t attempt, I think he’s rude. Of course, I am perfectly capable of opening the door myself and could probably do it quicker than him even in my four-inch stilettos, but it is a polite courtesy to me—to show me such respect, and not a testament to his feeling I’m incapable of opening a door.

Furthermore, at the end of the day, we can develop these ideas and constructs for mental sport, but if we’re throwing in equality, the fact is that men and women are not equal. Women, through thousands of years of socio-evolution are caretakers by nature, men protectors, etc. Women have their inherent strengths and men have theirs, and I wouldn’t trade mine for theirs any day. Seeking equality in regards to importance is noble and good, and I am thankful for the strides the women before me have made, for the fight they endured to give me the independence I have today. But we should honor their struggle by being secure in our differences to promote better gender relations. That doesn’t mean pretending those differences don’t exist!

That article is the product of critical theory; the practice of deconstructing social concepts to a most ridiculous degree, frequently with a violator/victim mentality. Men aren’t courteous! They are chauvinistic, unenlightened brutes for assuming feeble women can’t open doors for themselves! The sad thing is, that hostility sets women further back than most of us realize, because so often men go out of their way to accommodate us, to earn favor, to show us respect, and in turn, we make broad generalizations about respect, equivocating archaic references of feminine subjugation to simple courtesies meant to honor us.

It is the opinion of this dilletante Internet-sociologist that chivalry is what sets apart cretin from gentleman. To honor a woman is to act in service to her, to hold her highly in regard and to go out of one’s way to accommodate her. Just as a good woman does for a man. It is respectful, courteous and the mores of an advanced society. As a woman secure in my feminine power, I see chivalry for what it is, and appreciate it.

And for the record, the most prominent definitions of chivalry, are as follows:

A set of ideas about how a good knight should behave. These included treating women with respect, defending the weak and the poor and fighting fairly. www.abdn.ac.uk/english/lion/glossary.shtml

The rules for polite and honorable behavior that knights were expected to follow.

castleandpalacehotels.com/home_pages/glossary.html

Being attentive to women like an ideal knight.

wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Honorable, especially to women; involving chivalry.

en.wiktionary.org/wiki/chivalrous

No wonder men are confused about what women want. So am I! Because one thing is for sure: chivalry might be dead for the women that have killed it, but it’s alive and well in Texas! And if there are any gentleman reading this post, thank you for opening my doors. Please continue to do so, or I’m going to think you have no manners.

Books that stick with you, long after you'd like to forget them...

2010-08-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sick today. No, nothing serious. In fact, it's more annoying than anything else, but it has me stuck in bed for a while. And this is good. Yes, really. I'm a little behind in, well, everything, because I've spent the last six weeks running like a headless chicken and I'm certain this is the Almighty's way of telling to just SIT THE FREAK DOWN for a while.

Hmm.... Is this post tempting the wrath of the divine? *Looks for the flash of lightning and listens for the roll of thunder.* AHHH! No, wait, that's just someone running a belt sander nearby.

Anyways, when I have these days, I usually find myself thinking of completely random, nonsensical things. And this morning, as I was engaged in this practice, I suddenly remembered, "A Day No Pigs Would Die."

Believe me, this is a book I did NOT enjoy reading. It was assigned to my middle school literature class, and I think we universally panned it. It is, however, seen by some as an accurate portrayal of Shaker life in depression and post-depression era America, and a literary classic coming-of-age story. But definitely, not by me. This despite the fact that I was the one who often liked the books we were assigned. Dude, I read "A Tale of Two Cities" in, like, three days.

So, this begs the question: Why the hell can't I forgot this book? What is it about that book that, despite my strong distaste for it, it still stays with me after twenty years? And I think I have an answer.

I hated the book because it told the truth. Growing up isn't easy, it isn't fun, and it is rare that the one comes away without scares. This book wasn't escapism; it was an integral lesson in my understanding the realities of the world.

So, my question for you today is: Do you have a book like this? Have you ever read something that made your teeth gnash every time you reached for it and you despised the author and all his progeny for having the gall to even live- yet, take from it more than you gave?

maH ghoSta' maH leghta' maH DIchDaq jaH

2010-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Translation of the Klingon: We came. We will go again.

I spent the last several days in San Diego.

And what a town. San Diego is a city famous for its agreeable climate, its tourist sites (SeaWorld, anyone?) and its historic Gaslamp District.

And its Klingons.

Four days in July each year, this quaint city of 1.8 million is invaded by all manner of goblins, vampires, Japanese school girls with hidden superpowers, Navi, power rangers and even the occasional Storm Trooper. Scratch that: many, many Storm Troopers. Comic Con is the intersection of hundreds of fandoms, each vying for limited space in the panel discussion, sneak peek sessions, or author signature queue that will set their hearts a blaze and induce geekspiration.

What drew me this year in particular was one hour of programming: a panel discussion on the Twilight Fanfiction community featuring six prominent writers from the fandom. As many of you know, my rebirth in writing came as a result of my participation in this fandom, and it was an honor and a delight to meet so many of these fine ladies and gentlemen in person after having online relationships spanning the last 1-2 years. (Click here for an article discussing the Twific Panel.)

As I know many of you who follow my blog are also writers, I wanted to pass along to you several things I learned the last few days that might benefit us as a community. There were many writing-specific sessions which I was able to attend, as well as observe the general trends that seems to be running through the television, movie, online and print community in the genres represented at this type of event. (And no, I don't know how a panel from Glee snuck into the programming.)

Media is saturated with vampires. Several authors and publishers emphasized that the popularity of various vampire series the last few years (True Blood, The Twilight Saga, The Vampire Diaries), has pushed corporate types to an enough-is-enough limit. The blood banks are full and overflowing. Don't try pushing any vampire fiction the next few years unless you feel you have a VERY unique twist, i.e. Dracula realizes his history of drinking blood and lurking in the shadows makes him ideally qualified to run for congress.

Don't believe in stereotypes. So many Twific writers are assumed, for example, to be fat, sexually-frustrated housewives trying to relive their teenage fantasies through fiction. I'll have you know, however, that some of writers have cheek bones that could cut glass and tower in heels (please see twific article linked above). Likewise, I walked into Comic Con expecting all manner of geek, dweeb, socially-awkward basement dwellers and D&D enthusiast. What I found was happy families, senior citizens, frat brothers, body builders, women who could walk runways in Milan, urban professionals, and everything in between. Turns out, you can't judge a comic book by its cover.
This is important when we try to think of our audience. Don't write only to a target audience. Don't be a slug, be a buck shot. Embed elements into your work that will stretch out to a large audience. And when you figure out how to do this effectively, let me know how?
Hey, just because I see the road on the map doesn't mean I know how to drive there.

Media is imploding. That's right, IMPLODING. I mean, more like mushroom clouding. It's turning in on itself, before expanding back out. If you're a writer, you shouldn't think that you're simply writing a book. What you are writing is a multimedia package of fictional plot and promise. Your story will be a book, a website, a podcast, a video, a RSS feed, a twitter account, an online comic, a musical score, or any combination of these things. Same goes for your professional personality. You're not just an author anymore, you're a composer of multi-faceted media content. The proof is in the pudding here. Or, the blogger is doing the blogging, if you get my point.

All in all, Comic Con was an unparalleled experience, one I highly recommend to anyone who can make the arrangements. If you have any specific questions, leave me a comment or tweet me at @killianmcrae.

Till then, write long, and prosper.

Boviant Green

2010-07-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

The following is a true story. The names and locations have been changed to protect the stupid. By guilt/association as the author, I admit that the “I” of this story is actually “I.” I mean, “me.” Slight embellishments have been made so that my early life seems a lot more interesting than it was.

The spring of 1991 wasn’t significant in any particular way. I pretty much just coasted through my high school years in a divine state of blissful ignorance. (Now a-days, I can still claim ignorance, but woefully the bliss has left me). Granted, this was between two dramatic blocks of time in my life, and I was sincerely glad that if the bread was all moldy and gross, at least the slice o’deli meat that was my later teen years seemed to be wholesome and tasty.

Family life was … complicated. The child of divorce, my father had remarried. Thank God in all her carnations that he married an angelic woman whom I still adore. His new wife brought a son into the marriage who was a mere six months younger than me. Together with the existence of a two-years-older brother (no matter how I’ve tried to deny it since then), this meant I had gone from being the baby to being the underappreciated middle child. (Note: I still suffer this condition.) Due to some logistics of broken marriages, my younger step-brother spent his youth living with his father in the foothills of Appalachia. My step-mother was a tarheel (she’s since had extensive therapy by a qualified Yankeeficator) by birth. In order to provide her with as much opportunity to visit with her son as possible, most of our school holidays were spent staying with her mother and father in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Ashville, NC.

Did I mention remote Blue Ridge Mountains? Yes, they were remote, but not really blue. In fact, during spring break in March, they were rather green and verdant. The ample vegetation and mild climate made it an ideal location for raising cattle.

And barns. They raised a lot of barns.

For reasons of economy, during this period in my life, my dad and step-mother believed the ideal diet for two growing teenage boys and a widening teenage girl was a steady stream of Taco Bell tacos and other faux Mexican (Fauxican?) knock off foods. Though it was 10-mile drive to the nearest location (yes, uphill both ways), it seemed to be our lunch every third day. If you were curious, the other days were bridged biscuits and gravy and grits. And house tea. Gallons of house tea.

On Thursday afternoon, the sun was shining and the tacos were hot. Instead of driving all the way up the mountain, we decided to drive out into the middle of the gracefully grazing cows and take our lunch al fresco. My two brothers and I sat on the hood of the car while the adults sat strategically behind the wheel listening to pre-season baseball talk radio.

Barry, my younger step-brother and intellectual semi-equal, took a bite of his processed cheese-strewn crispy-shell and asked, “I wonder what grass taste like? Seems it would be pretty gross.”

And Scott, my older brother and intellectual minion, answered, “If you were a cow, you’d think it was good. They probably think whatever you eat is gross.”

A half-smirk, brandished taco and bad idea was all it took for Barry to jump to his feet and begin stepping purposefully towards the herd. It was probably the only time in the history of human-bovine relations that the two species shared a mutual WTF moment. We looked at Barry’s back, and the cows looked at Barry’s front and, more importantly, the taco in his hand held aloft like he was the fast food franchise version of the Statue of Liberty.

Now, by virtue of their very nature, cows are gentle creatures. But, it should be understood that this is decision they make because when you’re a cow, there’s really not that much worth fighting for. If you have a pasture of grass and some fresh water, life is good. At that moment, the herd looked at my mis-stepping step-brother and the symbol of mass bovine assassination in his hand, and decided to act very unnaturally.

As though he were an ancient Sumerian flaunting the bloodied, severed scalp of his enemy before his troops, Barry hoisted the various-vegans-vertibly-verging-on-violence victual high in the air and declared, “TAACCCCCOOOOO!”

A tail flapped, and bull huffed, and then all shell broke loss.

We heard the engine rev under us before Barry managed to turn around and start running. Unfortunately, the cows were spry. The herd was on his tail. Um…. His tail was to the herd, and we were already in the car gaping at the wall of bovine death approaching. The taco was nowhere in sight, and I remember feeling that was probably a good thing. Barry barely made it to the car in time to jump through the window, Dukes-of-Hazard style, allowing my dad to gun the gas and flee to freedom.

I learned many things during my childhood visits to Appalachia. I learned how to make proper biscuits and gravy. I learned how to clog to bluegrass, pre- or post-tequila. I learned that it’s nearly impossible to grow healthy, bumper crops in Carolina red clay.

But, most of all, I learned never, ever to meander into a herd of cattle and offer them an opportunity to experiment with cannibalism.

Never shout taco to a cow.

"Seers of Light" by Jen DeLucy

2010-05-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Jennifer DeLucy
ISBN: 1-936305-03-8
Format: Paperback or eBook
Pages: 396

Killian's Comments:

DeLucy's freshmen work shows us that she's destined to be valedvictorian of her class as her career blossoms and grows. In "Seers of Light," she weaves a paranormal tale that focuses as much on romance as it does the supernatural elements of the plot.

Lily Hunt has spent her life feeling out of place. Unlike other writers who would feel tempted to give their protagonist a childhood filled with torment, torture and strife, DeLucy respects the intelligence of the reader by making Lily only the victim of circumstance. Orphaned at a young age, Lily has been raised in a loving environment by her grandparents in a small Pennsylvania town. However, she has always felt like a outsider, as though there are larger forces in the world that somehow involve her. Giving this character the stability of this background makes Lily's resolve and maturity at dealing with the abrupt changes in her life and understanding of the world all the more feasible. This ability to make characterization believable and realistic in way that enhances the paranormal plot line rather than uses it as crutch is a talent of DeLucy's.

Lily soon learns that she is among a select collection of individuals with the ability to trans-navigate the borders of life and death, light and dark, good and evil. Though a novice to the practice, she is brought into a group of similarly endowed, vivid characters who love and support each other and share a common goal: helping rid the world of darkness (often under the command of vampires) and aiding lost souls in the transition into the next phase of being. Among this group of Seers is the handsome Christian. Charged with acclimating Lily to her new life, Christian finds himself drawn to her kindness and compassion. Unfortunately for him, also a member of the group is William Maddux, a vampire who's turned states evidence and regained a soul. As William and Lily's romance blossoms, they both learn that love cannot conquer all obstacles, and sacrifice is sometimes required in order to win the battles they face.

My only mark on this tale is that its sometimes hard to understand why Lily's history makes her feel so isolated socially, as the look we are given at her background makes us believe she's led a relatively happy, though unfulfilled life. However, this mars little the reader's experience, as Lily's new life is the focus of the story. As mentioned, the fact that she had this strong background lends credence to her ability to adapt so seamlessly.

DeLucy creates a paranormal reality rich in its intricacies and yet accessible easily to our imaginations. Her style is clean and flowing, and the emotions of the characters are tangible in their realism. The sensual scenes are never overblown in relation to the rest of the plot, and they are always emotionally-charged. A beautiful work by a talented writer.

I'm hardWordPressed when it comes to websites

2010-05-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

My apologies to anyone who recently registered. Unfortunately, due to a technical snafu, I've had to restart the website from scratch. I hope to reestablish content very shortly.